China: Chinese, Nepali scientists team up to probe recent deadly mudslides.

Shotlist Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, southwest China - Oct 3, 2026 1. Various of scientists from both sides speaking via video link at ceremony seeing off Chinese scientists for China-Nepal cross-border emergency scientific expedition 2. Various of Chinese scientists conducting research on geographic information system (GIS) for geological disasters 3. Computer screen showing GIS for geological disasters 4. Various of Chinese scientists packing up equipment Nepal - Oct 4, 2026 5. Various of cabin view showing canyon, villages after mudslide subsided 6. Mudslide-stricken village 7. Various of Chinese scientists operating drone, working with Nepali counterparts 8. River Storyline A group of Chinese scientists arrived in Nepal Sunday to join their Nepali colleagues for a scientific expedition to investigate the recent devastating flash floods and mudslides that hit both countries. On August 26, a glacier collapse in northern Nepal triggered a cross-border mudslide, causing major casualties. The disaster originated in Nepal and developed across river basins and national borders. The resulting chain of events affected Gyirong Port in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region and areas along more than 100 kilometers of the disaster route in Nepal. The cross-border emergency scientific expedition is led by China University of Geosciences (Beijing) and co-organized with the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology. More than 50 researchers from over 10 universities and research institutions in China and Nepal are taking part. Chinese scientists departed from Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, on Sunday and arrived in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, the same day. The mission will last about 20 days, covering the disaster source area in Nepal, affected areas in China, and downstream areas across the Himalayan river basin. Because the disaster evolved across national borders, investigations from one side alone cannot fully reconstruct the event. A joint field survey in Nepal is therefore considered essential to tracing the disaster chain from its source. The expedition team will use drones, helicopter surveys, and field geological mapping and sampling to reconstruct how the initial ice-rock collapse developed into a debris flow, debris flood, and flood in stages. They will also assess patterns of erosion, transport, and deposition along the disaster route. The findings are expected to provide scientific support for reconstructing the disaster chain and for restoring and rebuilding the Gyirong Port, while contributing to disaster risk management in the Himalayan region amid climate change. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]